Category Archives: Style

Local Lowdown: Christmas in the Sand

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Santa Claus on Santa Claus Lane, historic photo by SB Vintage Photo

Santa Claus on Santa Claus Lane, historic photo by SB Vintage Photo

Shopping Santa Claus Lane | By Leslie Dinaberg

Santa may be gone*, but the shopping scene is alive and well on his namesake street in Carpinteria. Tucked just south of Montecito, amid the soothing sounds of the sea—and occasional toots from the train—the eclectic Santa Claus Lane is home to an impressive variety of charming shops displaying everything from garden goodies and home decor to surf supplies and casually elegant clothes.

Porch is a unique shop

Porch is a unique shop “where shelter and nature converge.” Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Porch

A unique shop “where shelter and nature converge” into distinct art and home accessories and furniture.

1. PORCH, 3823 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-0300, porchsb.com.

Ze Bird is an ever-evolving treasure trove for the home. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Ze Bird is an ever-evolving treasure trove for the home. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Ze Bird

Original artwork plus a design and consign business makes this an ever evolving treasure trove for the fashionable home.

2. Ze Bird, 3825 Santa Claus Lane, 805/318-1818, zebirdsb.com.

Hawthorn, photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Hawthorn, photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Hawthorn

This clothing and accessories boutique embodies the casual elegance of the Santa Barbara lifestyle.

3. Hawthorn, 3817 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-6474, facebook.com/hawthornpadarobeach.

The Garden Market on Santa Claus Lane offers unique gifts like Mama's Preserves. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

The Garden Market on Santa Claus Lane offers unique gifts like Mama’s Preserves. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

The Garden Market

This tranquil little bistro is a great place to relax in the outdoor garden, or shop for unique gifts and treasures.

4. The Garden Market, 3811 Santa Claus Lane, 805/745-5505, gardenmarketsb.com.

Reed Interiors offers a variety of stylish lighting, as well as flooring, furniture and more for the home. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Reed Interiors offers a variety of stylish lighting, as well as flooring, furniture and more for the home. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Reed Interiors

This design showroom offers flooring, stylish lines of furniture, lighting, accessories, window treatments, wall coverings, upholstery and more.

5. Reed Interiors, 3821 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-7583, reedfloors.com.

Hummingbird is a chic boutique on Santa Claus Lane. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

Hummingbird is a chic boutique on Santa Claus Lane. Photo by Mercedes Lowe.

 

Hummingbird

A chic boutique carrying women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, eyewear, art and gifts.

6. Hummingbird, 3823 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-5800, hummingbirdcarpinteria.com.

a-Frame Surf Shop, photo by Mercedes Lowe.

a-Frame Surf Shop, photo by Mercedes Lowe.

a-Frame Surf Shop

Whether you’re looking for surf lessons, the latest in surf gear or the coolest in clothing and beach wear, they’ve got you covered.

7. A-Frame Surf Shop, 3785 Santa Claus Lane, 805/684-8803, aframesurf.com.

Holiday on the Lane

Santa may have retired, but he’ll be back for a visit at the Santa Claus Lane Annual Block Party on Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

*The jolly red giant moved to Oxnard in 2003.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine, Winter 2014/15.

Style File: Glamming it up for the Holiday Season 

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Limited Edition Smoke & Mirrors Smoky Eye Kit by Jane Iredale, courtesy photo

Limited Edition Smoke & Mirrors Smoky Eye Kit by Jane Iredale, courtesy photo

‘Tis the season to be decadent with your makeup look. Turn on the sultry this holiday season with these fun products:

Limited Edition Smoke & Mirrors Smoky Eye Kit by Jane Iredale helps create luxurious, pigmented eyes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The kit holds eight shades and a “how-to” guide to create your favorite smoky eye looks, from elementary to sophisticated.

Jane's Signature Gilded Collection 24-Karat Gold Dust, courtesy photo

Jane’s Signature Gilded Collection 24-Karat Gold Dust, courtesy photo

Channel your inner diva with Rihanna’s two shades of VIVA GLAM Lipstick by Mac Cosmetics. Her new cool mauve shade and original blue-red with frost finish, both apply with a subtle shine and gold sparkle. Every cent of the selling price of VIVA GLAM goes toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and the lipstick includes a limited-edition, soft velvety red packaging features RiRi’s signature.

Eye Shere Liquid Eye Shadows in Opal Silk and Gold Silk by Jane Iredale are quick-drying liquid eye shadows that add some glam but won’t crease or smear.

A special night out calls for all-over shimmer. Apply Jane’s Signature Gilded Collection 24-Karat Gold Dust all over your shoulders and décolleté. Or try it on your earlobes for an unexpected dazzle that complements your favorite braid, pony or dressy updo.

Estée Lauder's All Night Glamour Set, courtesy photo

Estée Lauder’s All Night Glamour Set, courtesy photo

Decisions, decisions? If you can’t make up your mind, check out Estée Lauder’s All Night Glamour Set, a limited edition offer available now at Macy’s in La Cumbre Plaza (with Estée Lauder purchase) includes just about everything you need for non-stop glamour, packaged in a studded black patent evening bag. Items include: Deluxe Eye Shadow Compact with 9 Best-Selling Pure Color EyeShadows, Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Hot Kiss, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil in Mocha,  Double Wear Stay-in-Place Gel EyeLiner in Onyx, Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara in Black  and Modern Muse Eau de Parfum Travel Spray.

And while you’re out looking fabulous for the holidays, don’t forget to capture the moment with a selfie or two! Enjoy.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 18, 2014.

 

See One-of-a-Kind Vhernier Italian Jewelry at Silverhorn Special Event

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Vhernier Rings, courtesy Silverhorn.

Vhernier Rings, courtesy Silverhorn.

Toreh Bahrami, Brand Ambassador of  Vhernier Italian Jewelry, will be showing a selection of one-of-a-kind Vhernier pieces at Silverhorn (1155 Coast Village Rd., Montecito), on Friday and Saturday Oct. 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

While Silverhorn has represented the Vhernier line for the past 20 years, this is Bahrami’s first visit to Santa Barbara and the first ever Vhernier show in the area.

Founded in 1984, and headquartered in Milan, Vhernier has achieved a world-wide presence and a fashionable following. Vhernier’s jewels are loved and worn by fashionable celebrities, including Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Biel.

Vhernier represents the finest in Italian jewelry, a collection influenced by trends in contemporary art.  Vhernier’s superiorly trained Italian craftsmen have an in-depth knowledge of materials, stones, cuts and traditional manufacturing techniques.  The company has storefronts on several continents and a presence in high end department stores throughout the world. Silverhorn Vhernier Invite

Since 1976, Silverhorn has been hand crafting exquisite pieces of jewelry of the finest materials and enduring quality. Silverhorn owners Michael and Carole Ridding travel the world seeking out rare and unique gemstones, and fine jewelry lines.  Silverhorn’s own design team win awards for creativity and craftsmanship year after year.  Each piece, created with the gemstone in mind, is crafted using artisan methods and exacting precision. Internationally recognized, the Silverhorn collection appeals to discriminating individuals who expect unparalleled quality in fine jewels, stone carvings and timepieces.  For more information, visit www.Silverhorn.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 3, 2014.

Style File: Five New Skin Care Habits for Fall

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Courtesy Sebamed

Courtesy Sebamed

Changing seasons call for a few change-ups in our beauty routine. Dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum recommends incorporating these five habits into your daily ritual for a smooth, soft transition into fall.

1. Switch Cleansers.

Start with the basics – If you’ve been using a shine control cleanser (or skating by with a bar of soap), make the switch to a more hydrating, soap-free cleanser. Coconut oil-based cleansers like Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam are one of the most effective moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients, and act as antibacterial active ingredient that removes bacteria to prevent the formation of new pimples. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: Another one to try is “Kate Middleton’s favorite cleanser,” Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing, a gentle cleansing gel and makeup remover in one.

2. Don’t Stop Using Sunscreen.

Don’t be fooled by lower temperatures. Cover exposed skin with sunscreen, just as you would in the summer. UV rays are just as strong when hitting the slopes or walking in the rain as they are on the beach. Applying sunscreen daily is the easiest way to prevent sun damage, protect your skin, and not to mention – look younger. Try using products that offer Broad-Spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, and have a SPF of 30 or greater.

Editor’s Note: Check out this post on Double Duty Sunscreen Solutions.

3. Move to a Heavier Night Cream.

Recover and restore your skin after a long summer with a heavier night cream like Sebamed Anti-Dry Night Intensive Cream which works to protect, smooth, calm and regenerate the skin without clogging pores. The intensive and rich properties of this Night Cream stimulate the skin’s own renewal process overnight for fresher skin by morning. The pH value of 5.5 promotes the skin’s own acid protective barrier against dehydration and irritants. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: Here’s a Total Beauty survey of the 16 Best Night Creams.

4. Exfoliate Flaky Skin.

In the summer, we don’t need to exfoliate often. As temperatures cool, practice exfoliating once a week to keep dry flaky skin from shedding around the nose and chin. Select a soft facial scrub (those made with rice bran are less rough) that also uses naturally hydrating ingredients like avocado, coconut or almond oils to avoid excessive dryness and irritation. Immediately following, moisturize with balancing night cream.

Editor’s Note: Exfoliation is key for so many skin issues. We recently tried, and really liked, the Suki Resurfacing Enzyme Peel.  This resurfacing masque is effective from the inside out (it treats the source, not just the symptoms) and the outside in (it treats the surface signs like redness, acne, dryness, etc.). (sukiskincare.com)

Courtesy Uni K Wax Center

Courtesy Uni K Wax Center

5. Maximize Moisture in the Shower.

Our skin loses water to radiator heat and dry air all day long. Replenish and balance moisture content by using a hydrating body wash and lotion every time you shower, like Sebamed Anti-Dry Derma-Soft Wash Emulsion and Hydrating Body Lotion. To prevent dry, crackly, irritated skin, pat (don’t rub) skin dry after a hot shower and apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes to seal in hydration. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: We also like Uni K’s Ultimate Balm made with Green Tea and Cucumber to restore hydration to thirsty skin. It’s infused with cucumbers, a natural hydrator and green tea, chock full of antioxidants to ward off environmental toxins, as well as rice extracts to help retain the skin retain moisture.  (UniKWax.com)

 —Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 16, 2014.

Style File: Affordable Decadence With Gemstone Inspired Beauty for Fall

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Courtesy Jane Iredale

Courtesy Jane Iredale

Autumn is the season for freshening your look with updated beauty products. Some of the most exciting ingredients are gemstones and precious metals like diamonds, gold and pearls. Just as these indulgences set off skin’s glow when worn as jewelry, they also add just the right amount of shimmer when used in creams, eye shadows, nail polishes and highlight powders.

Think of it as affordable decadence. Here a few new products to try when you want to feel like a gem :

Diamond Dust, in Golden Shimmer Face & Body Lotion

Diamond Dust is a unique pigment derived from mica that delivers shimmer to the skin. As your summer glow starts to fade, this versatile lotion will warm and smooth the skin for an irresistible golden glow. (janeiredale.com)

Sparkling Nail Powders Set

This limited-edition, numbered set from Dior, sold exclusively at Nordstrom, features two sparkling powders—in black and luminous gold—and a special adhesive base coat. Create a jewel-like manicure, whether applied to one nail as an accent or as a complete manicure. (shop.nordstrom.com)

Courtesy Nordstrom

Courtesy Nordstrom

Gold Leaf, in 24 Karat Gold Dust

For just the right amount of shimmer, Jane Iredale 24 Karat Gold Dust uses 24 Karat gold leaf to lend a delicate highlight to eyelids, cheeks, lips, nails, hair and body in every shade from gold to silver, bronze and rose gold. (janeiredale.com)

Platinum Pigment

Metallic makeup was all over the fashion runways this season. To recreate that look, Mac Cosmetics has a platinum pigment you can use to create a subtle wash of color or a more intense effect for a night on the town. (maccosmetics.com)

Mary Kay Emerald Noir Eye Color Palette

Inspired by the world’s most precious jewels, each  palette includes five easy-to-apply buildable shades, from matte to high-shimmer. (marykay.com)

Courtesy Jane Iredale

Courtesy Jane Iredale

Pearl, in Limited Edition Celebrate Eye Shadow Trio

For a minimal yet illuminating look, the Jane Iredale Limited Edition Celebrate Eye Trio features mist, a matte pearl shade perfect for a subtle base color. The other colors are port, a shimmery port wine color and toast, a toasted caramel for a complete eye look in one palette. (janeiredale.com)

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 8, 2014.

 

Style File: Staycation Day at the Bacara Spa

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Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

Our summer days are dwindling—at least according to local school calendars—which makes this a perfect time for a staycation day at our very own Bacara Resort & Spa.

I recently enjoyed the heavenly Signature Barbor SeaCreation Facial, an amazing treatment that “unites the elements—Ocean, Sun, Earth and Atmosphere—to refine pores and heal sun-damaged skin.” It was lovely. According to the literature, “utilizing precious extracts of exclusive microorganisms found in the depths of the sea, this treatment is designed for those who want to see a dramatic improvement in their skin while indulging in a strategically choreographed stress relieving massage.”

I don’t know if it was the repairing antioxidants, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid and organic seaweed extracts; the healing fingers of my lovely therapist; or just the rare treat of a quiet Sunday of complete rest, relaxation and pampering, but my skin has never looked better. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from this treatment benefits the Gaviota Coast Conservancy.

Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

The Bacara recently revamped its entire spa and wellness program to include an oceanview rooftop terrace for open-air massages, a self-applied marine Mud Bar, and two private lounge areas for European sunbathing and relaxation. In addition, there are a variety of new European and locally-inspired spa treatments including the signature BABOR SeaCreation Facial that I had.

Other popular services include the Organic Bliss facial (“50/80 mins Committed to planting a tree for every product sold, this facial by Eminence Organic is ideal for those deeply committed to the health of our planet. Only the freshest, most natural antioxidants, vitamins and enzyme-rich ingredients are combined to nourish and restore the skin to a new level of beauty and health.”), the Citrus Avocado Polish (“50 mins This invigorating exfoliation uses mineral salt blended with oils of avocado, orange, lemon and tangerine rind and is followed by a warm Swiss shower. Includes a shea butter lotion application.”) and the ExFoleyation (“50 mins Out of the Foley wine tasting room and into the spa, this gentle exfoliation with grape seed extracts is followed by a mineral and antioxidant rich grape seed body butter wrap designed to quench and hydrate the skin to a new level of suppleness.”).

Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

The Spa Café is also delicious. We tried the edamame dumplings, which were fabulous (and healthy!), as was the soba noodle soup made with rock shrimp, asparagus, snow peas and enoki mushrooms. They also have a full menu of customizable smoothies, as well as a nice selection of breakfast and lunch items.

For more information about The Spa at Bacara (8301 Hollister Ave.) including a complete list of services and amenities, visit bacararesort.com. For reservations, call 877/935-8415 or email thespa@bacararesort.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 27 2014.

Style File: Double Duty Sunscreen Solutions

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I’ve come a long way from my teenage years of frying out in the sun with a mixture of baby oil and iodine (the original “self-tanner” that stained my skin a rusty color I thought looked cool), and thankfully, so has the selection of sunscreens available.

BB_Cream_Light_TextureNot only do today’s products actually provide Sun Protection Factor (SPF)  protection, many of them also do double duty.

For example, Amarte Natural Finish BB Cream is a sheer, moisturizing face tint that works as a moisturizer, gives a light base to even skin tones and also provides SPF 36 protection.

Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feel like you’re constantly glowing with sweat on these hot summer days? Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF is a dry sunscreen made of natural clay that can be used on the body, face and scalp with an SPF 30 protection. Not only does it make your skin look great, it’s water resistant for up to 40 minutes, so you can even cool off in the pool and still look good stay protected. Plus, the company also has a very cool refillable loose powder brush called Refill-Me Refillable Loose Powder Brush that is easily portable and bears the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation as an effective UV sunscreen.

 

Sephora's 8-hr mattifying moisturizerAnother way to prevent shine is Sephora’s 8 HR Mattifying Moisturizer Sunscreen. An oil-free moisturizer that prevents the skin from shining for up to eight hours, this formula also contains UVA/UVB filters and antioxidants to help combat the signs of aging.

Amarte Aqua Veil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’ll get all of the antioxidant and ant-inflammatory properties of Ginkgo biloba nut extract, mesima mushroom, rooibos, tormentil root, skull cap and wild thyme botanical plant extracts with Amarte Ultra Veil ultra light sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 50+.

Jack Black Double Duty MoisturizerOf course we don’t want to leave the guys out of the double duty sunscreen equation. Jack Black Double Duty Moisturizer SPF 20 is a lightweight daily moisturizer that acts as a broad-spectrum sunscreen and an advanced facial treatment in one-easy product. Plus it’s fragrance free, a big plus for many men.

For acne-prone skin, Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 is a great solution. It protects your skin while providing up to eight hours of oil control. The lightweight formula effectively reduces breakouts and dramatically reduces oil production, while willow bark extract helps manage breakouts by fighting bacteria and argan extract keeps skin hydrated.murad

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 30, 2014.

Style File: Sweet Summer Scents

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Burberry Summer, FragranceNet.com.

Burberry Summer, FragranceNet.com.

Summer is in full swing and a spritz of a light, fresh scent can feel just as cool and refreshing against your skin as a fabulous blast of air conditioning. Whether your summer dreams include fresh picked fruit, fresh-cut flowers, a day at the beach or a night under the stars, there’s a fragrance for that. Here are a few ideas: 

One of the go-to summer scents we’re loving right now is the aptly named Burberry Summer Perfume (FragranceNet.com), which combines fruity notes of citrus and green apple with light florals like rose, water lilly and freesia.

Ralph Lauren Romance Summer Blossom (nordstorm.com) is a lovely, fresh and fruity scent for all of those summer wedding celebrations.

CK One Summer, Macys.com.

CK One Summer, Macys.com.

Another nice choice for the warm weather season is Gucci Flora Gracious Tuberose (FragranceNet.com), a lovely eau de parfum that combines peach, tuberose, rose, and violet leaf with exotic base notes of African orange flower and French labdanum.

Bobbi’s Brown’s ocean-inspired Beach Fragrance (sephora.com)is almost as refreshing as a dip in the Pacific.  This light, happy, nostalgic scent blends jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin.

For those of us who require fruity umbrella drinks to really make it feel like summertime, CK One Summer (macys.com) is just the ticket, blended with tangerine and lemon to make you feel like you’re sipping a fruity cocktail, seaside.

Santa Barbara’s own Grapeseed Company’s (thegrapeseedcompany.com) Mojito Man Shaving Prep Scrub has a refreshing lime and mint scent that’s great for summer shaving.

Santa Barbara's own Grapeseed Company's (thegrapeseedcompany.com) Mojito Man Shaving Prep Scrub

Santa Barbara’s own Grapeseed Company’s (thegrapeseedcompany.com) Mojito Man Shaving Prep Scrub

We’ve also been loving the cooling refreshing feeling—and scents—of  Jane Iredale’s ECOCERT Hydration Sprays (janeiredale.com), which can be used as moisturizers under makeup or as a quick pick-me-up during the day. We particularly like the smell of the Balance Hydration Spray, made with orange essential oil, orange peel extract, grapefruit peel extract and algae.

—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 17, 2014.

Fall Artfully Back to School

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Santa Barbara Seasons, Local Lowdown, Fall 2010

Santa Barbara Seasons, Local Lowdown, Fall 2010

Back to School Get Creative!

There’s nothing quite like the creative inspiration found in the inviting smell of a fresh package of crayons or the satisfying sound you get from cracking the spine of a brand new notebook.

Whether you’re going back to school or simply back to work after Labor Day, why not lift your spirits—and expand your vocabulary—with something new, like fair trade messenger bags by Handmade Expressions, available from Folio (4437 Hollister Ave., 805/964-6800). The rules of geometry take on a whole new meaning with this Areaware Strida bike from Imagine (11 W. Canon Perdido St., 805/899-3700) which magically folds down to just the right size to stow, while the lessons of ingenuity are literally right at your fingertips with this bright diary and notebook from Upstairs at Pierre Lafond (516 San Ysidro Rd., Montecito, 805/565-1502).

Santa Barbara Seasons, Local Lowdown, Fall 2010

Santa Barbara Seasons, Local Lowdown, Fall 2010

See below for information about the rest of our finds from Folio, Imagine, Upstairs at Pierre Lafond, UCSB (University Center, 805/893-8321), Westmont College (955 La Paz Rd., Montecito, 805/565-6064) and SBCC (721 Cliff Dr., 805/730-4047).

Clockwise from top: hand woven jute and cotton Handmade Expressions messenger bags from Folio; recycled packaging material diary and notebook from Upstairs at Pierre Lafond; foldable Areaware Strida bike from Imagine; Forgotten Shanghai “Desk in a Bag” from Folio; and Cavallini & Co. Can o Clips clothespins and Chipiola curlicue paper clips from Folio.

Bike folds up and fits in knapsack.

PHOTOS: JULIA MEHLER, AREAWARE STRIDA BIKE COURTESY OF IMAGINE/AREAWARE

Santa Barbara Seasons, Local Lowdown, Fall 2010

Santa Barbara Seasons, Local Lowdown, Fall 2010

A is for All-Ages Education

BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME isn’t just for kids. Santa Barbara offers a plethora of educational opportunities for learners of all ages. Do you have a passion for plants? UCCE and Botanic Garden offers a master gardener training program this fall (mgsantab@ucdavis.edu). Participants learn about sustainable landscapes, identifying and managing pests, soil and plant nutrition, plant management practices and diagnosing plant problems, then apply their knowledge to assist schools, parks, retirement communities and Botanic Garden with various garden projects.

Why not indulge your artistic impulses and support the environment with a Saturday morning workshop at Art From Scrap (302 E. Cota St., 805/884-0459, www.artfromscrap.org). Almost every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, local artists like Dug Uyesaka, Holly Mackay and Bill McVicar lead workshops for children and adults to explore their creativity, all at the bargain price of $6, supplies included.

Want to learn more about art? Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1130 State St., 805/963-4364, www.sbmuseart.org) offers docent-led tours of special exhibitions Tuesday through Sunday at noon and an overview of the collection at 1 p.m. (free to members or with paid admission).

Want to learn to dance the tango, shape up with fitness classes, explore your musical side or teach your dog to stay off the couch? Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation (www.sbparksandrecreation.com/) offers low-cost classes in all of these things and more.

Don’t see anything that tickles your fancy here? Check out Santa Barbara City College Adult Education (http://omni.sbcc.edu/adulted/) and UCSB Extension (www.extension.ucsb.edu/), both of which offer hundreds of classes for lifelong learners.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Top–bottom: Covent Garden Newgate alarm clock and Acme Pens Studio Crayon Retractable Ballpoint Pens designed by Adrian Olabuenaga, all from Imagine; Illustrator’s Sketchbook and “The Game” youth hat from UCSB Bookstore; embroidered hat from Westmont College Bookstore; zippered hoodie from SBCC Bookstore; floral laptop case by Pylones will hold up to a 17” laptop, from Imagine; and Toms Shoes in brown plaid—for every pair of shoes purchased, this company gives new pair of shoes to a child in need—from Westmont College Bookstore.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine, Fall 2010. Cover photo by Jim Bartsch.

Cover photo by Jim Bartsch.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine, Fall 2010. Cover photo by Jim Bartsch.